Tale 7: The Valiance Tours—3rd Competition Four years before the Battle of Corpagia
11:59 P.M. Afgalan time; Afgalan; Siddah rizzol(Siddah stadium)
Bryan took his seat, in between Maxie and Kevin, as the young Vice President Mayha Polukin started blasting away at the white-and-red podium.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the 3nd Annual Alliance Valiance Variety Tournament!"
The crowd of thousands erupted into heavier cheering and clapping, thundering around the huge stadium. Spectators from all over the Alliance had packed into the seats. On the main floor, pilots', engineers', regular ship officers', and Captains' anxiously awaited the start of the Valiance Tours. This competition was the Olympics of the Alliance, where all the best pilots, techs, ship officers, and Captains' went to battle each other in categories of intellect, speed, wit, combat, strategy, patience, and teamwork. They were pitted against each other in their respected categories and class. There were approximately 676 people that competed: 208 pilots, 208 techs, 208 officers, and fifty-two Captains. Each was then broken down into three difficulty ranges: masters, experts, and novices, each range having fifty-two people in it. Only the Captains didn't have ranges. Over a matter of three weeks, contestants were slowly eliminated until only one stood at the top as Best Pilot, Best Captain, etc. Meanwhile, the Tournament traveled around to various different planets before returning to Afgalan for the awards ceremony. The contestants were faired by a fleet of fourteen Frigates lead by the Frigate Valiance, the Alliance's secondary Flagship, and the ship that the Tournament was named after. Once the fleet arrived at a planet, the contestants were allowed to tour any part of the planet they wished. The fleet always tried to arrive with at least a full day to see the sights of a particular planet. The competition itself took place on both the Valiance and whatever planet the fleet was stopped at.
The Tours had been introduced four years earlier. The Alliance had fallen in love with them instantly. Since Imperial networks blocked all main sports broadcasts—not to mention all main broadcasts—to Alliance planets, the Alliance had to create its own networks and broadcasts, which it had done successfully. And one of the first sports events ever created on these new networks was the Valiance Tours. What a hit that had been! Not only did the people of the Alliance love it, but so did the contestants who competed. It was a chance to show one's skills, see some amazing sights, and have a blast overall.
Bryan had competed in the first two Tournaments, the first one occurring only two months after he had been promoted to Commander, and, at both, he had the time of his life. He had finished second in the "masters" category twice, both times behind Commander Calvin Deravin. But he didn't really remember the competition in the end, just the blast he had had. The Valiance Tours had been where he had bonded with most of his new friends on the Faith. Most of them either moved on to better things or had died by now. Rosy, Burrnick Daser, Dassa Frull, and Muretta Vun-poj-ahr were the only pilots that were still on board the Faith since the last Tours, but only Rosy and Muretta had actually competed again now. Burrnick had been two points shy of getting a slot in the "experts" category, and Dassa just didn't feel like doing it again. The Valiance Tours was where memories were created and lasted a lifetime, and Bryan loved them dearly.
The crowd was still going wild, and it took several seconds for them to calm down before Polukin could speak again. "Yes, it's that time again. Time for the blood to boil and the adrenaline to flow like the Cykrik river. 676 contestants sitting right here are ready to put their wits and skills to the test, some for the second or third time and many for the first." Polukin's large eyes skimmed over the crowd. His lips curled to one side into a tight smirk. "You newbies had better be ready. This competition will drive a knife straight through your heart."
Bryan chuckled evilly, and fixed a devious gaze in Kevin's direction. Kevin just shook his head. All throughout the contestants came the sound of devious laughter and diabolical chuckling.
"Not happenin' to me," Kevin said.
"Now...—" Polukin continued.
Bryan's own sly grin showed doubt. "We'll see about that, rookie." Kevin was new to the Tours, not having competed for a spot in the last one. His mother had suffered a near-fatal stroke the day of his Playoff.
"—let's not waste anymore time walking through the introduction. If memory serves right, then all of you are very anxious for the Tournament to start."
The crowd roared again.
Polukin laughed lightly. "You see? Exactly what I thought." He stood straight up. "Okay. First, the locations. This year the fleet is going a new route; out beyond the Valgor Maze, which is in the opposite direction of the Daddin sector, where's the Tours went two years ago. The first stop will be the planet Hident "
The crowd cheered for a second, then died again.
"It is a planet rich in natural phenomenons like the moving Kingal Ocean, and the famous Sinai Kolap Mountain Range, which changes shape every month. Hident offers a variety of natural foods and drinks, and is also home to numerous, beautiful gardens. Feel free to tour any part of the planet you feel. However, remember that those attractions not listed are those you must pay for yourself. Those competitions being held on Hident will be posted on the day we arrive."
"The next stop after Hident will then be Sur, one of the moons of the planet Porgaden."
The crowd roared louder than before, knowing exactly where they would be going once their ships touch down on Sur. Bryan grinned and smiled brightly.
Polukin smiled. "Of course, many of you know that BenCo. City on Sur is home to the famous Uliat Rom amusement park. And the good news is we get it all to ourselves for the time we're there."
The contestants screamed in excitement. Uliat Rom was famous all over the galaxy—even in Imperial territory. It was the largest amusement park anywhere. The motto for the park was "The effect will leave you chilled with excitement and wanting more!" Not exactly the best slogan, but from what Bryan had heard, it was right. This would be his first time at the Rom.
"You'll also have access to sights on Porgaden, like the Kopulan Theater and the Asind Circus. Please no making fun of the clowns. I know they seem a bit...odder than normal clowns. The Tournament events, however, will take place on Sur."
"The third planet will be Caresica, which is home—"
Bryan, Maxie, and Kevin all took a long, deep breath.
"—to the renowned Whikkila District."
The three exchanged glances, their experience years ago with the "renowned" Whikkila District coming back to them.
"Just to be sure not to get too wasted, ladies and gentlemen, because the competition happens ten hours after we arrive."
A murmur rippled through the crowd for a few moments.
"Caresica also has the lovely Winhthrob Crystal Sea attached to its name, as well as numerous other attractions. Again, anything that's not on the list you have to pay for yourself."
"Our final stop will be Trinity, Art Capital of the Alliance. You'll be allowed to visit any of the museums you wish. They will all be free. After our tour at Trinity is done, the fleet will return to Afgalan for the Finals and the Awards Ceremony." Polukin stood up straight at the podium. "This is what you all, sitting here, have waited for. These are the Valiance Tours. You have all worked hard to sit in those seats. And I applaud you for making it this far. Seeing all you pilots, engineers, officers, and captains—just a slice of the finest military in the galaxy—makes me proud to be the Vice President of this Alliance."
The crowd began to clap voraciously, "whooping" and cheering for Polukin.
"All right. At this time, I'd like to ask all of you to join me in pausing for a moment of silence for all those Alliance soldiers who are preparing for battle in the Eskeko sector. Their duties prevented them from entering the Tournament this year. So if we could...just..." he silenced and bowed his head. As did everyone else in the crowd.
A hush fell over Siddah stadium.
Hundreds of light years away, in the distant Eskeko sector, the Alliance was prepping to defend its border territories from a massive Imperial offensive that was targeting Earth. Earth was practically on the edge of the Imperial-Alliance border, with only the Eskeko sector standing in the way. And since the Imperial's were threatening strikes at almost every other border, the Alliance couldn't afford to send every ship they had to defend Earth.
In fact, the last thing Bryan had heard about the defensive was that if the Eskeko fleet failed to stop the Imperials, then Earth would be an easy target. If that happened, then Bryan was sure the Alliance would face years of dark times. The scary thing was that he new that some of his friends were out there. Justin had said he and Sam had been posted there, which is why they couldn't make it to the Tours this year. He also knew Clara was out there, as was his old friend Molly Raoin.
It was going to be one of the bloodiest showdowns in space battle history. This moment of silence was soon going to be for the dead...
"Thank you," Polukin said, breaking the hush. "Now...I have a surprise for you all. At this time, we have a transmission on hold from Admiral Sigmund Colvon, the man who is leading the defensive is the Eskeko sector. He would like to say hello to everyone." He turned to the stadium's jumbotron screen behind him. "Admiral?"
The screen flickered for a moment, then blinked on. The aging, smiling face of the sixty-seven year old British Admiral Sigmund Colvon filled it. His gray hair shined with almost a silver glow in the light of the bridge behind him, and his green eyes were wide and twinkling. "Hello Vice President Polukin. Valiance contestants—"
The crowd's noise level rose to deafening.
He smiled wider. "Thank you all...thank you very much..."
The Captains all rose out of there seats, clapping wildly for their superior.
Admiral Colvon chuckled. "Oh, please...thank you..."
The pilots rose next, followed in quick succession by the engineers and officers, as they energetically applauded. The politicians and speakers up by the podium immediately followed. The spectators at the stadium burst out of their seats last to join the contestants in giving the Admiral a glorious standing ovation for his efforts in the Eskeko sector.
All the while, Colvon kept repeated the words "Thank you," as the ovation continued for several moments longer. Half a minute later, the clapping finally died and everyone took their seats again.
"Thank you all," Colvon said warmly. "You're support and respect means a lot to me and my troops out here. We have a long fight ahead of us, and I promise you we will make you all proud."
Cheering again.
"I look forward to seeing the results of the Tournament this year. From what I can it will be quite a show, as always."
Polukin grabbed the microphone out of its holster and spoke. "Admiral, we're honored to have you speak here at the opening ceremonies for us. We know you're busy and we won't take up much more of your time. Now when do you expect the Imperials to breach the Eskeko sector?"
"Ahhh..." he reached up and scratched the back of his neck. "We're expecting the Imperials to burst into the system any day now, hopefully not during the middle of the night. As of right now, we're on full tactical alert, and are standing-by for combat."
A couple "whoo"s escaped the crowd.
"How are the troops doing?" Polukin asked. "High morale is often a part of any success."
Admiral Colvon grinned. "Yes...yes. Very much a part of it as a matter of fact. The morale of my troops is the highest I've ever seen in a unit. They have been truly amazing in their calmness and readiness. They are spirited, bold, and just—overall-overall just an amazing and...great unit of fighters. I'm honored to be their leader and I know they–they won't let me down."
"Good Admiral," Polukin answered. "Now I just have more question and this question—"he turned and looked at the contestants"—must be asked." He turned back to the Admiral. "Admiral, you are definitely expecting victory, are you not, Admiral Colvon?"
The Admiral's expression turned firm. "Oh, of course!" He said strongly.
The crowd screeched in response.
"Well then there's no doubt," Polukin said in replied. "You'll get victory. We wish you and your soldiers the best of luck, Admiral. We'll keep you in our prayers here. Good—"
Admiral Colvon grinned. "You won't need to."
Polukin laughed along with several others in the stadium. "Good luck Admiral."
"Thank you." The jumbotron went blank.
"Well there you have it, ladies and gentlemen," Polukin said. "The heroes of the Rebel Alliance. Now, let's get started for real. At this time we're going to call all those competing up to the stage, one group at a time, to be recognized not only for their being here today, but for their undying service to the Alliance. And with that I say, let the Valiance Tours begin."
The crowd roared again.
Behind him, Bryan heard a body slump down into an open chair. "Hey. Did I miss anything?"
Bryan turned around and saw Rosy's cute face and big eyes staring at him curiously. "You're late. Only the opening statements from Polukin, and where we're going this year, and a special "go team!" from Admiral Colvon, live from the Eskeko sector."
"First group—" Polukin started again.
Rosy's eyes widened apologetically. "I'm sorry. I got held up down in the street. They—they said—"
Bryan's eyebrow raised. "By whom?"
"—that I matched the description of a girl who robbed a store earlier today."
"Rooooosy..." Bryan said in an incriminating tone.
"Hey!" she whined, knocking her open palm into his forehead. "Don't do that! It was scary."
"Oh, I'm sure."
She smacked her lips at him and stuck out her tongue rudely.